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Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) describes a variety of conditions: inability to get an erection, dissatisfaction the size or hardness of your erections, and erections that do not last. ED can lead to embarrassment, stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, anger and more negative emotions.

ED is treatable and staying silent about it is the main barrier to not getting help. This can delay diagnosis and treatment of more serious underlying conditions that may be in play. ED can be related to an underlying problem, such as heart disease, diabetes, liver disease or other medical conditions. Talk to your primary care doctor if you have ED. Help is available.

Treatment

Treatment for ED is based on the cause of the problem. Treatments that may be helpful include:

Lifestyle changes such as cutting back on alcohol, quitting smoking, losing weight and increasing physical activity

Cutting back on or changing medications linked to ED

Psychotherapy to decrease stress and anxiety linked to sex

Prescription medicines taken by mouth

Prescription medicines injected into the penis or put into the urethra

Testosterone therapy may improve energy, mood and increase sexual interest in older men who have low testosterone.

Vacuum devices can be used to create an erection by using a partial vacuum to draw blood into the penis. Then an elastic ring is put on the base of the penis to keep the blood there during sex.

Penile implants can be surgically placed

Safe and effective treatment of ED is available - don’t let it impact your life for another day.